The 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office ruled three Adams County Sheriff’s Office deputies were justified in shooting and killing a wanted man in 2023.

Following an investigation by the Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT), District Attorney Brian Mason announced the actions of deputies Charlie Ramos, Jarrod Losh and Jeffrey May didn’t warrant any criminal charges in the shooting death of 38-year-old David Estrada, according to a letter from Mason to the Adams County Sheriff’s Office released on Thursday.

“Based on the evidence presented and the applicable Colorado law, there is no reasonable likelihood of success of proving the elements of any crime beyond a reasonable doubt against the involved officers,” Mason said in the letter.

Deputies learned that Estrada, who was wanted via multiple warrants issued by the Colorado Department of Corrections in February 2023, was living in his mother’s basement in unincorporated Adams County. He was believed to be selling drugs from the residence, as well.

On Dec. 20, 2023, deputies formulated a plan to arrest Estrada, according to the letter. The plan involved acting as one of Estrada’s associates and asking for a meeting at the residence. The plan worked, and Estrada set up a meeting around 10 p.m.

Multiple deputies, including the three mentioned in the letter, approached the home with the plan to flashbang Estrada and arrest him in a “jump out” tactic, according to the letter.

As Estrada approached the back of the undercover vehicle, four deputies got out of the vehicle and deployed the flashbang. Estrada pulled a handgun and fired at them, hitting Deputy Aiden Holguin in the arm and foot. The three other deputies fired at Estrada around 14 times, dropping him to the ground.

Estrada was transported to a nearby hospital where he later died from his injuries.

Along with a Browning Arms .380 caliber semiautomatic handgun, detectives also found a loaded .25 semiautomatic handgun in Estrada’s shorts.

A witness from Estrada’s family claimed that he was involved with the North Side Mafia gang and always carried a handgun, according to the letter.

Ultimately, Mason decided that the deputies used force as a means to protect themselves and others, and were justified under the law.

“Mr. Estrada’s conduct undoubtedly posed an immediate and serious threat to the deputies, causing them to respond with the use of deadly physical force,” he said.